Former Curve Owner Lozinak to Throw Out First Pitch Friday
September 3, 2003 - Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release
(ALTOONA, PA)- On the night when the Curve will be making franchise history by playing its first-ever home playoff game, the Curve will recognize the man who helped bring professional baseball to Central Pennsylvania. Former majority owner Robert Lozinak has accepted Curve President and Managing Partner Chuck Greenberg's invitation to throw out a ceremonial first pitch and be recognized prior to Game 3 of the Southern Division playoffs Friday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Akron Aeros.
Lozinak, who previously owned the Triple-A Albuquerque Dukes, joined an ownership group including Tate DeWeese in June 1997 and used his ties in minor league to help the city of Altoona land a Double-A baseball team in time for the 1999 season. The Altoona native served as the Curve's majority owner during the franchise's first three seasons (1999-01) before selling his interest in the club to the franchise's current ownership group, Curve Baseball LP. He recently completed his first season as the majority owner of the Double-A Southern League's West Tenn Diamond Jaxx.
"This franchise would not be where we are today without the great start under Bob's leadership," said Greenberg. "We welcome Bob, his wife Joan and their guests back home to Blair County Ballpark and look forward to spending this historic evening with them."
Other special guests scheduled to be on hand for Friday's game include Pirates' CEO and Managing Partner Kevin McClatchy, Bucs' Senior Vice President and General Manager Dave Littlefield and Mark Popernak, one of the nine Quecreek miners who was dramatically rescued last summer in Somerset County.
Following the game, fans will be treated to a spectacular fireworks display courtesy of the Curve's Playoff Presenting Sponsors, U.S. Foodservice, Heluva Good Quality Foods and the Thomas Automotive Family. Gametime is set for 7:05 p.m. with the gates to open at 6:00.
If necessary, Game 4 of the Southern Division first round playoff series will take place on Saturday night at Blair County Ballpark, also at 7:05 p.m. Fans attending Saturday's matchup with Akron will also be treated to great playoff baseball and another post-game fireworks show.
For tickets, fans can visit the Curve Ticket Office or call toll-free at 1-877-99-CURVE. Tickets are also available on-line at www.altoonacurve.com. Also, for all the latest Curve playoff news and information visit "Curve Playoff Central" at www.altoonacurve.com.
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Eastern League Stories from September 3, 2003
- Eastern League Playoffs Underway - New Haven Ravens
- Aeros Dynamics - Akron RubberDucks
- Former Curve Owner Lozinak to Throw Out First Pitch Friday - Altoona Curve
- Walker, Halsey Take EL Awards - EL1
- Let the Playoffs Begin - Altoona Curve
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